Welfare, Health & Security News

Seoul Operates Emergency Medical Services for COVID-19

Registration date03/13/2020WriterSMGviews1378

As of March 6, Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters has transported a total of 1,393 patients with COVID-19 symptoms using 119 emergency medical services. Among them, seven cases have been confirmed.

As of 7 a.m. on March 9, 22 firefighters are being monitored and are under self-quarantine as a result of their duties of transporting suspected COVID-19 patients. To date, no firefighter affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Additionally, in order to support Daegu, Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters first dispatched four ambulances and eight paramedics, and then an additional four ambulances and eight paramedics. As of March 9, 102 patients suspected of having COVID-19 have been transported using these services.

In addition, Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters decided to introduce 28 “negative-pressure patient transport devices” that are necessary for transferring infectious patients. Six units will be first purchased and distributed to emergency medical services in first-line fire stations.

Officials from Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters stress that anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19, including a high fever and cough, should call 1339 for consultation.